- New Delhi vows to protect energy security and trade interests amid potential impact on Russian energy imports
NEW DELHI: India has conveyed to the United States the potential consequences of the recently passed Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, while making clear that it will take necessary measures to safeguard its trade and economic interests.
The US House of Representatives approved the legislation on September 16, following its passage in the Senate in August. The measure strengthens sanctions against Russia and Iran and gives the US president expanded authority to impose tariffs on countries purchasing Russian energy.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said New Delhi was closely monitoring further developments concerning the legislation.
“The Government of India has noted the passage of the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act in the US Congress. We are monitoring further developments on this matter,” the ministry said in a statement. New Delhi emphasized that ensuring reliable and affordable energy supplies for its population remains a central consideration in its energy policy.
“India remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people. It will continue to do so through diversified sourcing and on the basis of evolving market dynamics,” the statement said.
India has been among the major purchasers of Russian energy since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, making the potential application of additional US measures a significant issue for New Delhi’s energy and trade calculations. Indian government said the issue had been discussed at senior levels with US officials during recent months.
“The issue has been discussed at high levels in recent months with various US interlocutors,” the ministry said, adding that India had clearly communicated the potential implications for both bilateral relations and international energy markets. New Delhi also reiterated its determination to protect its commercial and economic interests in response to any measures that could affect Indian businesses or energy supplies.
Government to Work with Industry
The Indian government said it would coordinate closely with trade and industry organizations to assess and address the potential consequences of the new US legislation.
The legislation includes provisions targeting Russia’s energy sector and entities involved in sanctions evasion, while also extending measures concerning Iran. The measure authorizes the US president to impose tariffs on imports from countries purchasing significant quantities of Russian oil or gas, potentially affecting major energy importers. India response comes as governments and markets assess the potential effects of the legislation on international energy flows.
New Delhi has stressed that its energy procurement decisions will continue to be guided by diversification, market conditions and the country’s domestic energy requirements.
The latest development adds another dimension to the broader US-India economic relationship, with the two countries also engaged in discussions on trade and market access.
India’s government said it would continue to monitor developments and work with domestic industry to mitigate any impact on the country’s trade and economic interests.
BY: The Times Union
